Nick Weglarz Rumors

Brent Lillibridge has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Iowa by the Cubs, according to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat (on Twitter).

The Cubs have also released right-hander Jensen Lewis, according to Muskat (Twitter link). The 28-year-old Lewis hasn't appeared in the Majors since 2010. He has a 3.68 ERA, 8.0 K/9 and 3.9 BB/9 in 198 Major League innings — all coming with the Indians.

The Braves have signed right-hander Erik Hamren and first baseman Nick Weglarz to minor league deals, tweets Matt Eddy of Baseball America. Hamren, 26, threw 12 1/3 innings for the Padres in 2011 and posted a 4.38 ERA. Weglarz at one point ranked 58th on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list, but his stock has fallen since that 2009 list. He has a career .252/.375/.439 batting line in the minors.

We'll keep track of today's minor moves from around the league right here…

The Rays released first baseman/outfielder Nick Weglarz, according to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune (on Twitter). Weglarz, 25, hit .239/.349/.413 with 14 homers for the Indians' Double-A affiliate in 2012. A former third-round pick who ranked as the game's No. 58 prospect prior to the 2009 season (according to Baseball America), Weglarz signed a minor league deal with Tampa Bay this offseason.

Condolences to the family and friends of Lee MacPhail, who passed away at the age of 95 today. MacPhail was a long-time executive who worked with the Yankees and Orioles in addition to serving as Commissioner William Eckert's chief aid. He also served as president of the American League and was the oldest living Hall of Famer.

Here is the latest from around the league as Friday turns into Saturday…

MLB.com's Bill Ladson hears that Adam LaRoche hasn't heard from the Nationals in a few days, but he's still interested in returning to the team (Twitter link). LaRoche turned down Washington's qualifying offer today.

The Orioles are still talking to Nate McLouth, reports Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter). The team is optimistic a deal will get done, but nothing is imminent.

The Mets have more payroll flexibility than expected, but GM Sandy Alderson told Mike Puma of the New York Post that he's still "realistic" about the players they can acquire (Twitterlinks). Alderson referenced the "bottom end" of the free agent market.

"We are not shopping him," said Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez when asked about the Trevor Bauertrade rumors. "Again, if they ask, [GM Kevin Towers'] response is 'Hey, we are willing to listen,' and that's what's happened here."

Earlier today we heard that the Tigers made a contract offer to Jeremy Bonderman, but the right-hander told MLB.com's Jason Beck that it's news to him (Twitterlinks). Bonderman cautioned that he usually lets his agent handle contract matters.

MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith reports (on Twitter) that outfielder Nick Weglarz is drawing interest as a free agent thanks to his left-handed bat. The 24-year-old hit .239/.349/.413 with 14 homers in 436 plate appearances for the Indians' Double-A affiliate last year.

Weglarz, the Indians' 2005 third round selection, has spent the 2012 season at Double-A. He has a .202/.295/.333 batting line so far this season, but he had a batting line of .285/.390/.503 as recently as 2010. Baseball America ranked him 58th among MLB prospects entering the 2009 season. Weglarz, who bats and throws left-handed, reached Triple-A in 2010, but has yet to play in the Major Leagues.